2024 / Children, Healthcare providers

Digging Into Nature: Outdoor Adventures for Healthier and Happier Kids

Citation

Tandon, P. S., & Glassy, D. S. (2024). Digging Into Nature: Outdoor Adventures for Healthier and Happier Kids American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Children in the United States now spend about seven hours a day using screens—watching TV, playing video games, or scrolling on phones and computers. This heavy screen use can harm kids’ health and well-being, while also keeping them from enjoying the many benefits of being outdoors.

In this easy-to-read book, two pediatricians and nature experts explain why spending time in nature is essential for children and families. They show how outdoor experiences can boost happiness, improve physical and mental health, strengthen family connections, and build resilience. The authors also share practical ideas for bringing more nature into daily life and offer suggestions for overcoming common challenges busy families face when trying to increase their outdoor time.

Abstract

Children living in the United States spend an average of 7 hours a day on entertainment media, including TVs, phones, computers, and video game systems. It’s a lose-lose scenario. Kids are suffering the effects of too much screen time and they’re missing out on the very real benefits of spending time outside.

Pediatricians and nature experts Pooja Sarin Tandon and Danette Swanson Glassy make the convincing case that children and families will be happier, healthier, and more resilient when spending time in nature. They offer a wealth of suggestions for nature-based activities and suggestions for overcoming common challenges busy families face when trying to increase their outdoor time.

The authors address the importance of nature for children’s health at every age from infancy through adolescence and link their suggested activities to key developmental milestones. Digging Into Nature takes an inclusive approach, providing practical tips for parents of children with special health care needs, chronic health conditions, and cultural considerations to help all children reap the gifts that the great outdoors offer.

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